University of Wisconsin-Madison Top Questions

"work hard, party hard" - that's the motto at wisconsin. if you have a small major, you can get some quality time with professors. I'm in the business school though, and that makes it harder. Some of the classes are smaller, but only taught by TAs which sucks because even they don't know what exams will be like. Sometimes it can feel like classes are designed to make you fail.. but there are always resources available if you need extra help. I've never had a TA who I feel would approach me to talk about improving my grades, or attitude, or getting to class on time, or handing on a paper on the due date. If you need persistent nagging or coaching to get things done, Wisconsin is not the place for you.

The classes, especially your first few years, are huge. But most of the professors will get to know you, if you make yourself known. Sit towards the front of classes, respond to their questions, and make use of their office hours. Look, even with grade inflation, most classes are challenging for a reason - they want to separate out the gifted from the slackers. You're paying far too much money to phone it in, so do it right. Most classes you can get away with attending sporadically, so long as you're actually doing the classwork and showing up to discussion section. I don't recommend this approach for anyone who isn't serious about succeeding, but it is possible to cut some of the attendance out of your schedule. Get known in your department especially, because when you get to the upper level classes, it'll be advantageous to know faculty. There are a lot of cool independent study opportunities available to those who are driven.

Big classes, get used to it. But profs willing to help for sure. Get used to working with TAs all the time. They are fine though usually very good. Like a big machine, a system. Not really concerned with the individual, not necessarily a bad thing but you have to take the initiative. UW students are smart, creative, intellectual and down to earth. Tons of academic resources.

i like most of my professors although some ta's are hard to understand

Professors do not know your name unless you go to their office hours and make an effort to get to know them. Students study a lot and there are always political and intellectual conversations outside of class

I loved soc 134, the lecture was large but the discussion was small and we had GREAT conversations, something I miss in my new sociology class. The discussions and relationships with people in the class went past the classroom and to a more personal level. I like that there is a requirement to do courses outside your major. I think it will help people realize what else is out there as well as relate it to their field in unique ways. Also it gives you a chance, and encouragement, to explore.

MAny know my name. Favorite - Chinese, golf, international law, china world politics - Study 3-4 hrs a night - very common - very competitive. Outside of class i do not spend time with profs. Geared to learning

Some of the classes seem really easy...last semester I took Econ 101. Only went to 3 or 4 lectures at the beginning of the year, never did homework or went to discussions and just read through most of the readings the night before exams and still passed with a C. I miss about half of my classes now because I realize I can pass without going easily.

Most professors won't ever know your name. Go to your T.A.'s with questions. Most of the time they are the ones that determine your grades and correct your tests and papers. My favorite class was Educational Psychology and Women's Studies 103. I've heard Human Sexuality is a fun and good class. I hated Geography 120 and I'm not a fan of Anthropology 104. Students study all the time and it's really hard to find a spot in the library. The students are competitive, but also helpful to each other. Don't count on getting out of this school in 4 years. They pretty much make it impossible.

professors are not good. marketing department is great. my microeconomics professor was awful. i loved my macroeconomics class and professor with Steve Rick. students in the business school are pretty competitive. Wisconsin is a lot harder than other schools, and I wish it had a better reputation. Wall St. doesn't look too highly on Wisconsin students. Wish we were looked at like Michigan because are academics are on par if not better.